MSc Programmes

The Department offers five MSc programmes:

MSc in Computer Science (MS50)
This is a conversion MSc which aims to provide you with a wide
understanding of computer science. The programme is sufficiently
general to
give you an excellent background for a professional career in
industrial,
commercial and educational organisations, and the required background
in
computer science to enable you to undertake further study leading to
the
specialisation needed for a research career.

MSc in Machine Learning and Data
Mining (MS51)
This programme is aimed at giving you a solid grounding in Machine
Learning and Data Mining technology and equipping you with the skills
necessary to construct and apply ML and DM tools to the solution of
complex
scientific and business problems.

MSc in Internet Technologies with
Multimedia (MS52)
This programme is aimed at giving you the skills to design and use
global networks, to design and use multimedia software (including
creative
aspects), and to build interactive multimedia networks. Emphasis is
placed
on teaching the fundamental theory combined with giving practical
experience in the design and use of real systems.

MSc in Internet Technologies with
Security (MS53)
This programme is aimed at giving you the skills to design and use
global networks, in particular network services, security, and legal
issues. Emphasis is placed on applying the theory to practical
applications and the design and use of real systems.

MSc Advanced Microelectronic
Systems Engineering (MS55)
The Bristol region has traditionally played host to a world-leading
semiconductor design industry which continues to thrive today. The MSc
in
Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering has been designed to meet
the
needs of this local industry in response to a recognised shortfall in
graduates with the qualifications and practical skills expected from
professional semiconductor design engineers.

All of the MSc programmes offer a
Foundation-stream where you will be taught the
foundations
of computer science in conjunction with the specialisation that you
have
chosen. On most programmes there is also an Experienced
stream,
which you can take if you already have a degree in computer science.
The
only MSc programme without an E-stream is the MSc in
Computer Science,
which is a dedicated course for people with no computer science
background.

Duration

The MSc programmes are usually 12 months full-time courses:

24 weeks of taught units, starting in October and finishing in
May, as outlined in the syllabus. You are expected to attend lectures
and seminars and to occasionally give seminars, such as a review of a
paper or a presentation of a topic related to your project.

During the summer, a project will be completed
leading to a dissertation. In the second semester of the taught units, there is
a Research Skills unit which helps you to prepare for the project.
The dissertation must be
submitted by September 30.

MSc programmes can be taken on an extended study basis over two years
subject to timetable constraints. Transfers from full-time status to
extended study status after registration are only permitted in
exceptional
circumstances.

Project work

The project is a substantial piece of work, which may be commercially
or
industrially related. Topics for projects are offered by both staff
members
and sometimes industrial partners. Hence, topics tend to reflect the
current research interests of the Department and the needs of industry.
You
may also suggest your own topic to staff members for supervision.

Assessment

Assessment of the taught part of the courses is by practical work and
examination. Examinations take place in January and in May/June.
Some units are assessed entirely by practical work. Project work
carried out during the final part of the course is reported in a
written dissertation and a practical demonstration. The dissertation
must be submitted by September 30. The dissertation and demonstration
are assessed by a marking panel. All assessment is
moderated by an external examiner. Details of the assessment are
in the handbook, under "Assessment and Progress".

Entry Requirements

In order to apply for any of our programmes, you must have an upper
second class Honours Degree or a lower second class Honours Degree and
significant industrial experience. If your degree is in Computer
Science
and you are an experienced programmer with a good understanding of
Computer
Science, then you can follow any of the Advanced Computing courses. If
your degree is
not in Computer Science, you may be better suited to the MSc in
Computer Science (Conversion) or the MSc in Advanced Microelectronic
Systems Engineering. Each
of the programmes may have separate demands on your background,
detailed in the descriptions below. Please note that the decision on
whether you will take the E- or F-stream in the
Advanced Computing courses is decided in week 0.

On the following pages we introduce each of the five MSc courses in
detail, followed by a complete listing of the units that you have to
take for each of the MSc programmes.